Allan's edge: rivals' bungling keeps her in the race
Source: theage.com.au
- Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan holds a narrow lead in polls despite trailing the Coalition on key issues like crime and housing.
- Her challengers - Liberal leader John Pesutto and Nationals' Peter Walsh - have damaged themselves with internal scandals and gaffes.
- This ineptitude gives Allan her best shot at re-election in November 2026, even as voters demand change.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is clinging to power thanks to the self-inflicted wounds of her opponents. The article dissects the 29-31% two-party-preferred poll lead for the Coalition, yet Allan's Labor still leads the primary vote. It spotlights Liberal leader John Pesutto's turmoil over sacking MPs and Nationals leader Peter Walsh's foot-in-mouth moments. Readers in Victoria care because it signals a messy 2026 election where competence could trump policy failures.